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Monday, July 6, 2015

11 Things We'd Like To See Go Into Arcade's Old Space

I'm just wildly speculating at this point, even though I'm sure there's already someone lined up to take over Arcade Midtown Kitchen's former home, which closed on Sunday, June 28. But hear me out. As the first major restaurant to close at the Pearl (aside from Farm to Table way back when), Arcade leaves a giant gap in a prime spot, not just inside the city, but inside the Pearl where Hotel Emma is bracing to open this fall.

Cue the wobbly edges.

1. A Second Bakery Lorraine: They can use one for sandwiches, another for pastries only. It'll shorten the lines and make everyone happy. Total win-win.

On second thought...

2. A Bakery Lorraine Donut Shop: The rumor mill swirled that the old Bakery Lorraine location would be turned into a donut shop...well, that hasn't happened. But now that there's a giant space next door complete with giant venthood, I don't see why not?

3. Hot Joy Part Deux: Remember this is only a wild day dream, but how awesome would it be to have those wings, or bowls of ramen, or late night Spam sandwiches after a night out at Pearl? Keep in mind, there is currently no Asian food in the complex.

4. Cat Cafe: The former Arcade space is long and wide. Perfect for building kitty corridors, passage ways, booths for kitten tea parties. Just make sure to pack the Benadryl/Zyrtec/Claritin or a combination of all three. Cat-themed cocktails are a natural choice. How does a Moscow Meowle, a Meowhattan, a Catarinha or Purrña Colada, Calicosmopolitan sound?

5. A Freakin' 24-Hour Diner: San Antonio needs more diners. This is a common complaint from all those late-night owls that just need a good bite after 3 a.m. I know Jason Dady just opened Shuck Shack, but I'd like to see those Tre Enoteca brunch items made daily.

6. Barcade: Strap a B to the top of the Arcade sign, throw in a few vintage arcade games (I'm partial to Mortal Kombat and Tekken II), a claw machine and we're done. Have Joshua Brock of TBA design the cocktail menu for his impish style and call it a day.

7. CIA Bakery Cafe: The pop-up held in April was but a tease. We need those alfajores back full-time.

8. An Indian Restaurant: The only Indian restaurant this side of 410 is at Simi's Cuisine, which we're down with. But can a girl get a samosa without driving 15 minutes? (Don't worry, this is why we love the Medical Center).

9. Trampoline Park: Let your chamacos run wild, go have a nice dinner at Cured and you only have to pay admission instead of a babysitter. Win-win*bounce*win.

10. Whatabuger. Music editor Matt Stieb really hates riding his bike to the one off Basse Road.

11. An Art Gallery: With its sleek design and abundance of natural light, the space would also easily loan itself to a contemporary art gallery — something the Pearl has yet to introduce.